87 students graduated from NILS on March 8. When they first arrived in Japan, most of them were total beginners of Japanese language. However, their language skills have now improved surprisingly so that they can communicate with us only in Japanese. They studied Japanese for 1.5 to 2 years at NILS, and they completed their study. They also learned Japanese culture and traditions during their study through lots of activities held by school and local community. Now, many of them understand Japanese way of thinking, and some of them are really like Japanese people in many ways.  They even use and understand Japanese joke.

They all gave us a lot of “thanks” with big smiles. We remember that they were so nervous when they first came to Japan because it was the first time for most of them to stay in a foreign country alone. But people in the community were very warm-hearted to our students, and it was definitely helpful for them to enjoy their life in Japan. Now they are full of confidence.

Mayor of Ogori City, Mr. Hirayasu, and many other people from the community attended the graduation ceremony. They gave encouraging words to our students at the new threshold of their life.
This is the end of their study at NILS, but at the same time, it is a new beginning for their brilliant future. They will study at colleges/universities/vocational schools from April. We hope they will study hard to achieve their ultimate goals and dreams.

Congratulations!　卒業おめでとう！